Two youngsters from Karoo National Park outside Beaufort West have decided to “go green” for World Environment Month and have swopped their cars for bicycles.
Volunteer Armond Nel and student Robert Daley used scrap metal to attach plastic crates as carriers on their bicycles. They use the bicycles at least once a week to do shopping and other town activities – a 26 kilometre round trip from the Park to town and back.
They have used the crates to carry anything from groceries to firewood bought in town. The “park signs” on the back of the bicycles are original antique Karoo National Park signs which were kindly donated by the Park.
They say the reason behind their initiative was two-fold: to encourage other people to use their imagination to reduce their carbon footprint, and to increase their fitness at the same time.
“The students came up with the idea themselves and I am a believer that good ideas should be supported and rewarded,” says Park Manager, Nico van der Walt.
“We have four conservation students in the Park, two of whom do their practical training voluntarily, which emphasises the determination and dedication of this young group. Their attitude is highly positive and they add so much value to Karoo National Park,” van der Walt concluded.
